Pop popcorn in fridge for safekeeping

QUESTION: I have taken on a new hobby, which is growing popcorn in my garden. What is the best way to store popcorn so it stays fresh? Biannce (Winnipeg)

ANSWER: Popcorn is a great treat year round. One of the advantages of growing popcorn in your garden is you can sample some of the many different types of popcorn. Popcorn is also a healthy snack choice. Compared to beef, it has about two thirds as much protein, more iron and about the same amount of calcium. Plus, the hull provides roughage, similar to bran flakes.

Store popcorn in an air-tight cowntainer in a cool, dry place such as the fridge or freezer. If stored properly, popcorn can be kept almost indefinitely.

QUESTION: On more than one occasion, I have made a batch of homemade soup that ended up tasting a little too salty. Typically, the entire contents of the pot ends up being thrown out. Is there any way to save salty soup? Mavis (Melita)

ANSWER: The salty soup remedy depends on the type of soup you are cooking. Add one or more of the following (whichever goes with your soup): cream, milk, water, chicken stock, beef stock, tomato juice, tomatoes, brown sugar or potatoes. If you choose cream or milk, don't let the soup return to a boil or the milk may curdle. If you use stock, make sure it is a low-salt version, or better yet, your own homemade, unsalted stock.

QUESTION: We hired my niece to paint the basement steps while we were away on vacation. She did a great job on the steps but left the paintbrushes out and they dried up. Is there any way to soften the bristles so the brushes can be used again? Robert (Winnipeg)

ANSWER: Dip the paintbrushes in turpentine and let them stand for 15 to 20 minutes. Rub the brushes against a clean piece of cloth to test if the paint is coming off (re-immerse if needed). Or, bring white vinegar to a boil in an old pot (no longer used for cooking) on your stove and allow your paintbrushes to simmer for five minutes. Remove from pot and wash in hot, soapy water. Soaking paintbrushes in hair conditioner, paint thinner or linseed oil are also options.

QUESTION: I change the water in my fishbowl every week and as I pour the water down the drain I can't help but wonder if there is a use for fishbowl water. I read once you can water your plants with it. Is that true? Garry (Winnipeg)

ANSWER: Use fishbowl water to feed your plants. It will make them grow tall and green. Just one word of advice: be careful not to drop the fish into the plant soil when watering your plants (learnt that the hard way).

Trivia: A town in Italy, Monza, has outlawed the use of fishbowls for keeping goldfish. This law went into effect in the summer of 2004.

QUESTION: I buy large jars of salsa and spaghetti sauce in order to save money. After a while I often notice mould on the bottom of the lid. How should I store sauce jars to prevent this from happening? Lacey (Winnipeg)

ANSWER: You are right; purchasing bulk foods typically saves consumers money unless half of it is thrown away. I store large jars of sauce upside down in the fridge. Doing this creates a tight seal between the sauce and the lid. Be sure to use sauces before the expiration date. Another option is to divide the sauce into portions and store in freezable containers in the freezer.

QUESTION: I've had this problem for quite some time and it is a mystery. My husband and I do not share a bathroom and the problem is with his bathroom. Somehow, the dark hand towels he uses get light-coloured, sometimes with pinkish spots or blotches on them. It's not bleach, as we use microfibre cloths and water to clean. I've asked him not to wipe the sink with the towel in case the blotches come from his aftershave or something chemical such as that.

Last week, my brother was the only one using the bathroom for a week as he was our guest, and I put out new towels. The same thing happened. Do you think it has something to do with chemicals that men use in aftershave or shaving gel or something like that? I know this doesn't happen in the washer, it happens in the bathroom. It's a complete mystery to me. Can you help? Lorraine (Winnipeg)

ANSWER: Before you spend one more second of your time wondering... compare your husband's (and your brother's) toothpaste with yours. My guess is the toothpaste contains bleach and after each use he is wiping his face on the towel and permanently discolouring the fabric. P.S.: Great job using microfibre clothes to clean your home!

I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my videos/blog/website: reena.ca!

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You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.